Haptoglobin polymorphism affects its N-glycosylation pattern in serum

INTRODUCTION: Haptoglobin (Hp) is an abundant acute-phase protein secreted mainly by the liver into the bloodstream. There are three Hp protein phenotypes (Hp type 1–1, 2–1, and 2–2), which differ in the number of α- and β-chains, type of α-chain (the β-chain type remains the same in all the Hp phenotypes), and the polymers that they form via disulfide bonds. Hp has four N-glycosylation sites on the β-chain. Glycosylation of Hp has been reported frequently as a potential glycobiomarker for many diseases; however, whether Hp polymorphism affects its glycosylation has not yet been addressed extensively or in depth. OBJECTIVES: This study investigated the differences between the glycosylation patterns of Hp phenotypes using serum from 12 healthy individuals (four for each Hp phenotype). METHOD: An efficient method for isolating Hp from serum was established and subsequently the Hp phenotype of each sample was characterized by immunoblotting. Then, LC-MS/MS analysis of isolated Hp after treatment with three exoglycosidases (sialidase, α2-3 neuraminidase, Endo F3) was performed to characterize the glycosylation pattern of Hp for each individual sample. RESULTS: The data reveal significant differences among the branching, sialylation, and fucosylation of Hp types, documenting the effect of Hp polymorphism on its glycosylation. CONCLUSION: Overall, the study suggests that Hp phenotype characterization should be considered during the investigation of Hp glycosylation.